Earlier in September, Northshore attorney Richard Ducote sent a confidential letter to lawyers in Washington and St. Tammany parishes in support of Nanine McCool, a candidate for family court judge.

“My letter is from me, written by me, as an advocate for 36 years for abused women and children,” Ducote said.

The letter slams how Amacker, the incumbent in the political race, runs her courtroom.

The letter reads in part, “I have never encountered another judge handling child custody cases with so little knowledge and understanding regarding the evidence of, the dynamics of, and the damage done by the physical and sexual abuse of women and children as Judge Dawn Amacker possesses.”

Ducote represented McCool in recent proceedings before the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board, but said he has nothing to do with her campaign. His letter, however, sparked quick response from Amacker, who filed a complaint with the judicial campaign oversight committee alleging McCool allowed Ducote to make false claims about her.

A spokesman for Amacker declined further comment on the matter, saying in a statement that the judicial code of conduct keeps such things confidential and that Amacker “is therefore prevented from responding to Mr. Ducote’s press release.”

More than a year earlier, Keely Crozat co-founded Operation Save. Scores of parents locked in custody battles in the 22nd Judicial District. They each had similar stories critical of what they believe was a broken family court system.

Most of the group’s members said they remained anonymous because their cases are still open. They, and a handful who have stepped forward publicly, have questioned some of the actions being taken from the bench.

“Because she’s (Amacker) a judge and she can do what she wants to do, she threw me in jail,” said parent Cathy Russell.

“The secrecy behind closed doors and off the record, because there is no clear record of what happens in court,” said an anonymous member of the group. “When the recorder goes off, anything can be said and the Court of Appeals is not going to hear it.”

Several months ago, WDSU contacted Amacker about the parents’ specific concerns. She declined to sit down for an interview.

Amacker’s complaint against McCool remains active. If substantiated, it could lead to a citation for violation of the Louisiana Code of Judicial Conduct.

McCool said she has until Monday to reply to the Amacker’s complaint. She said she will comply.